KUALA LUMPUR: A blogger known as ‘Sang Kelembai’ has pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court to a charge of making an offensive post about vaccine procurement on his Facebook page four years ago.
Datuk Abd Zarin Mohd Yasin, 72, was charged yesterday with creating and initiating the transmission of offensive communications with intent to annoy others via his Facebook account “Zaharin Mohamad Yasin” at 2.03am on Dec 21, 2020.
The post was read at the Health Ministry, Putrajaya at 3pm on Dec 22, the same year, reported Bernama.
The charge is under Section 233 (1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 which provides a fine of up to RM50,000 or a prison term not exceeding one year or both.
Those found guilty will be liable to a further fine of RM1,000 for every day the offence is continued after conviction.
Deputy public prosecutor Nurilya Ellyna Nor Azmal requested bail of RM10,000 with one surety, along with the additional condition that Abd Zarin be barred from making any more posts regarding the case throughout the proceedings.
In mitigation, lawyer Datuk Abu Bakar Isa Ramat, representing Abd Zarin, said his client has diabetes and high blood pressure.
“The accused has four children, one of whom is still studying in university. His wife, a homemaker, will need to use their savings to pay the bail,” the lawyer said.
Judge N. Priscilla Hemamalini allowed bail at RM7,000 in one surety and set Feb 26 for mention.
